Last month, Atlas Copco Construction Tools in Essen, Germany, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the hydraulic breaker to the mining and construction markets. An innovative idea which originated in the German city of Essen half-a-century ago has transformed the mining industry and is now a worldwide standard. Krupp Berco Bautechnik, acquired by Atlas Copco in 2002, developed the rig-mounted hydraulic breaker and took out a patent in 1963. The first machine, the HM 400, attracted huge interest at the Hannover fair in 1967 and more than 2,000 units were sold.

The aim was to save time and labour in mining and demolition operations where, at that time, pneumatic tools were widely used, and the new concept was highly successful. It meant that one person operating a rig-mounted hydraulic breaker could do the same amount of work as several operators with pneumatic tools. This innovation was the start of a major transformation in the construction and mining industries. Today, hydraulic breakers are in general use and dozens of manufacturers around the globe produce machines of this type under a large number of different brands. Tens of thousands of machines are sold around the world each year.

Gordon Hambach, Product Line Manager for Power Demolition Tools at Atlas Copco Construction Tools said: “It is our belief that there is always a better way of doing things. That innovative spirit is a vital part of Atlas Copco’s identity, a vital part of our way of conducting business. It is also the driving force, which has made us a leader in our industry. Innovation is the ultimate driver for long-term profitability and growth.”